Donna I. Sobel, Esquire
Donna Sobel received her Bachelor's Degree in English from the University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, after which she earned
her Master's Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling. After working for several years in Social Security Disability Adjudication
and as a Medical Social Worker at Emory Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia, Donna decided to alter her career path by attending law
school at Emory University of Law in Atlanta, Georgia. She graduated with her juris doctorate degree in May, 1982. Shortly after
graduation, Donna and her family relocated placeholder rightto Bradenton, Florida. Having decided to limit her practice to the
areas of Estate Planning, Probate, Trust Administration, and Elder Law, she has spent many years helping members of the Bradenton
community with their legal needs. In 2000, Donna completed the stringent requirements to become certified by the Florida Bar as an
Elder Law Specialist. She is the only attorney currently practicing in Manatee County who holds this distinction.
Possessed of a genuine desire to help people, Donna puts her extensive knowledge and compassion to the task of assisting
individuals and families through some of the most sensitive and stressful times of their lives.
Certifications
Donna is a member of both the Florida and Georgia Bars; the Manatee County Bar Association; the Elder Law Section of the Florida
Bar; the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys; and the Academy of Florida Elder Law Attorneys.
Anita R. Falls, Legal Assistant
Anita Falls has been assisting Donna with Estate Planning, Medicaid, and Long Term Care matters since 2005. Anita is a native of
Bradenton, Florida and has the distinction of being born in September, 1960 -- right in the middle of Hurricane Donna! According
to her mother, Anita has been a whirlwind ever since. She attended elementary school in Oneco, Florida and completed her education
in Palmetto, Florida, after her family moved to Parrish, Florida in the late 1960's. Prior to joining our firm, Anita worked for
Signs Now Corporation in the Franchising Department. Anita is married, with two stepsons, one absolutely terrific grandson, and
two awesome canine kids.
Sharon G. Charles, Paralegal
Sharon Charles joined our firm in December, 2008, and assists Donna primarily with Estate Probate, Trust Administration, and
Estate Planning. A native of Virginia, Sharon lived in Charleston, South Carolina for 2 years, before moving to Bradenton in 2008.
Sharon has a B.A. in English from James Madison Universty, as well as a Certificate in Legal Assisting from Blue Ridge Community
College in Weyers Cave, Virginia. She brings nearly 25 years of Estate Planning, Probate, and Trust Administration experience with
her and is enjoying the opportunity to learn unique statutes and requirements. Sharon is not married and her only children wear
natural fur coats. She has been involved in Schnauzer rescue and currently shares her home with 4 abuse cases that would otherwise
have been destroyed. Sharon is also a wildlife rehabilitator and has worked with thousands of sick, injured, and orphaned animals
including squirrels, raccoons, opossums, skunks, fawns, groundhogs, beavers, bats, snakes, great horned owls, and many others,
providing the necessary care and then reintroducing them to their natural wild habitat.
Daisy
Daisy is our office mascot and official client greeter. Donna's husband, Edward Sobel, Esquire, shares office space with Donna,
although their practices are separate. Daisy is the fur child of Ed's office manager, Julia Hammel, and started coming to work with
Julia after she moved from the country to downtown Bradenton. Daisy is loved by all and takes every opportunity to visit staff
members throughout the day in the hope of receiving treats.